Griffin
Social Security Disability Lawyer

The process of applying for and appealing to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits in Griffin can be long, frustrating, and sometimes leave you feeling hopeless. Although these benefits were initially set up to help those who need help, it’s, unfortunately, a broken system that can leave those who can deny those who truly need the money to thrive.

That’s why if you’re struggling to get SSD benefits – whether it’s your first attempt or you’ve been trying for a long time – it’s important to work with a Griffin personal injury lawyer who knows how to help.

At John Foy & Associates, we have the crucial experience needed in this unique field of law. Having the right attorney represent you when trying to get benefits can easily be the difference between getting approval or denial.

With over 20 years of experience navigating the Social Security Administration and getting our clients the benefits they need, we’re here to help you through the process. We understand how vital this money is for you, and we want to assist—starting with a FREE consultation to talk about your SSD claim.

For this FREE consultation with one of our attorneys, call us today at 404-400-4000 or complete the form to your right. 

How does Social Security Disability Work in Griffin?

Social Security Disability insurance, or SSD, was created for those who have worked hard in the past but are now left unable to work due to a disability. This is guaranteed under legislation known as the Social Security Act, which is meant to provide a safety net for all workers in America. If you’re approved for SSD, you’d receive a regular payment to serve as income every two weeks.

The individual pursuing Special Security benefits could have been disabled because of an injury on the job or other place of business, as a result of disease, or other condition that prevents them from working.  However, the way the disability happened ultimately doesn’t matter for SSD. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean getting approved is an easy process. There are many potential issues, such as:

• Many Griffin residents are left getting their SSD application denied even if they have a real disability and should otherwise be qualified for benefits.
• Others find the long documentation required – and the many steps to apply – so overwhelming and frustrating that they end up not applying at all.
• Those who have applied and denied may assume it’s a lost cause and not pursue an appeal.

But we strongly encourage those with a legitimate disability who are denied to not give up. You have the law on your side, and an experienced Social Security disability lawyer can help you figure out what will help make your claim stronger.

How do I Know If I’m Eligible for Social Security Benefits?

There are a set of criteria the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses to evaluate each SSD benefits claim. They will look at factors like:

1. Whether or not you worked long enough to qualify for the benefits – such as if you earned enough “work credits” and if you worked recently. To qualify, you must have earned at least 20 work credits within the past 10 years.
2. If the health condition you’re living with qualifies as a disability. This includes whether or not your condition has been diagnosed by a healthcare professional, if the condition is terminal (or if not, if it will last a year or longer), and if your health condition prevents you from working in your past type of work (or adjusting to a new type of work).

If you haven’t earned enough work credits or your last job wasn’t recent enough, the SSA will look at whether your income is below the Social Security limit.

It’s also important to know that there is no set list of disabilities that qualify for SSD. Any condition can count as long as it keeps you from working. The SSA does have a list of impairments they have already recognized as disabling conditions that could prevent you from working. Those include:

• Cardiovascular conditions like coronary artery disease
• Respiratory illnesses, including severe asthma
• Musculoskeletal issues and back problems
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other digestive tract problems
• Low vision, hearing loss, and other speech and sensory issues
• Kidney disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis and other immune system disorders
• Neurological disorders, including epilepsy and multiple sclerosis

Although your condition may be on the recognized list, you may still need to provide extensive documentation to get approval for the disability. Other conditions qualify for a “Compassionate Allowance,” which means they’re so severe that you would automatically qualify for SSD. Many times, conditions won’t automatically qualify that the applicant will need to plead their case for approval by the SSA. Working with a lawyer who knows this process can help you prove that your condition prevents you from working.

I Can’t Work Because of a Mental Health Condition. Am I Eligible for SSD?

Possibly, yes. Just like physical conditions, mental health conditions can qualify for Social Security Disability. For example, mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, major depression, and schizophrenia are on the SSA list of conditions recognized as causing disabilities.

In any case, you will need to have documentation demonstrating the condition has been diagnosed and that it prevents you from working, just like with a physical condition. An SSD lawyer can help you with this.

Talk to a Griffin Social Security Disability Lawyer for Free

Don’t face the application and/or appeals process for Social Security Disability benefits alone. Even if you keep getting denied, we encourage you to seek out help to get the money you need to survive in the face of your debilitating condition.

At John Foy & Associates, we are personal injury lawyers who help our clients do just that.  And working with us is risk-free—we don’t get paid unless you get money. We’d love to set up a FREE consultation to hear about your claim.

Call us today at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to the right to get started.